Prime Minister Stephen Harper urged Canadians on Wednesday to take advantage of the home renovation tax credit, even though the credit hasn't actually been approved by Parliament.

The 15 per cent credit is the subject of a massive advertising campaign and is designed to be part of the government's economic stimulus package. It could see eligible applicants receiving as much as a $1,300 refund on their taxes if they invest up to $10,000 on improving their homes between Jan. 27, 2009, and Feb. 1, 2010.

The prime minister visited an Ottawa home improvement centre on Wednesday to press the message that Canadians have just six months left to take advantage of the credit, which he said is "a way that every family can participate in our economic recovery.

"There has never been a better time to renovate your home," Harper said.

The Finance Department intends to introduce the HRTC as a bill later this year.

But a number of things might happen this fall that could derail that plan, such as opposition parties defeating the minority Conservative government and triggering an election, said Keith Brownsey, a political scientist at Calgary's Mount Royal College.

Reno credit timing 'pure politics': critic

Brownsey said he feels the credit will be approved, noting that other budget measures have been dealt with in a similar fashion in the past. But he said he thinks the timing of the HRTC is pure politics.

"For me, it's telling me there's a election coming up, that the government wants to give a gift to those who renovate their homes and do it quickly," he told CBC News.

Elaine Foulon, who was looking to buy an area rug from a Calgary flooring store, said she was shocked when she was told the HRTC is not a done deal.

"I don't understand why it hasn't passed because they have been talking about this for quite a long time," she told CBC News.

David Matley, the owner of the store, was so sure the credit is in place, he offered to match it for his customers. Matley said he will live up to his pledge and wants the government to do the same.

He added he doesn't appreciate the fact the Harper government is spending taxpayer money on ads promoting the credit while he has to tell his customers there's still a chance it won't be there for them.

The variety of expenditures that qualify for the tax credit is wide. Among them:

• Renovating your kitchen, bathroom or basement.
• Painting your house.
• Installing new carpeting or flooring.
• Replacing your heating/air conditioning system.
• Upgrading the insulation in your home.
• Resurfacing your driveway or replacing your lawn with new sod.